Bacquelaine: “Half-time pensions made possible by January 2020”

In an interview granted to Sudpresse newspapers last Saturday, federal Minister of Pensions, Daniel Bacquelaine, announces a half-time pension by 1 January 2020 at the latest.

The Minister affirms having “heard” the employees who wish to “ease out more smoothly, feeling that they can no longer work full-time.”

Early in October, he will submit to the Council of Ministers texts allowing for half-time pension, which are already agreed on in principle.

The system will be applicable “from 60 years on, if one would have fulfilled early retirement conditions. One will therefore continue to work half-time, while earning half of the salary, but also half of ones pension,” the liberal explains. “And since one would be working, the employee will continue to acquire additional rights towards a full pension. Each year will count for half,” he adds.

It will be possible to adjust this type of pension by agreement with the employer. The final credit time too.

The Minister is counting on a vote before the end of the legislature, to allow an entry into force by January 2020 at the latest. If the opposition does not obstruct, “it could even go faster, with an entry into force in July 2019,” Mr. Bacquelaine dares to consider.